ABC News to mute mics during presidential debate on September 10

The upcoming presidential debate on September 10 will feature muted microphones, as confirmed by ABC News. This decision comes after Vice President Kamala Harris attempted to alter the debate rules at the last minute, seeking to unmute the mics. The Harris campaign's request appears to be a strategic move to divert media attention from the third anniversary of the Biden-Harris administration's controversial withdrawal from Afghanistan. The campaign's actions suggest a desire to manage the narrative surrounding the debate and its potential implications. The debate rules were initially agreed upon when President Joe Biden was still a candidate, with both parties confirming the arrangements in writing. The muted mics were intended to ensure a more structured debate, allowing each candidate to speak without interruptions. However, Harris's campaign has been vocal about wanting to change this format, possibly to avoid the risk of her making verbal missteps during the debate. In the lead-up to the debate, tensions have escalated, with both the Trump and Harris campaigns engaging in a back-and-forth regarding the rules. Trump's campaign has consistently opposed the idea of unmuted mics, emphasizing the importance of maintaining the original agreement. This ongoing dispute highlights the high stakes of the debate, as both candidates seek to present themselves favorably to the electorate. Ultimately, the decision to keep the mics muted reflects a commitment to the established rules, despite the Harris campaign's attempts to shift the focus. The outcome of the debate could significantly impact public perception, especially in light of the recent anniversary of the Afghan withdrawal, which remains a sensitive topic for the Biden administration.